The laughter echoes through the house, the smell of roasted turkey fills the air, and cousins chase each other through the living room. It’s the picture of a perfect family gathering. Yet, tucked away in a corner, you feel a pang of isolation. Surrounded by loved ones, you feel utterly alone. Loneliness isn’t just about being physically isolated; it’s a deep, subjective feeling of disconnect, even when surrounded by people. It’s the ache of not truly being seen or understood.